KHADAFY 'DEAL' LACKING IN SINCERITY

THE MOUTHY DESPOT is having second thoughts. Rather than thrash the United States in a war, Libya's Moammar Khadafy has decided to play Let's Make a Deal. Khadafy has offered, in a message to Italian Premier Bettino Craxi, to ask Palestinian terrorists to behave themselves if the U.S. promises not to attack his country.

That offer would be comic, if it didn't come from a man who has armed, encouraged and harbored international assassins involved in the random murder of small children, women, and elderly innocents.

Palestinian killers enjoy Libya's hospitality but, if the posturing Khadafy allowed a hint of sincerity to seep into a good conduct request, they would either ignore him or find safe haven elsewhere.

When the U.S. Sixth Fleet began maneuvers off the coast of Libya, Khadafy drew a "Line of Death" across a map of the Mediterranean and dared American ships and planes to cross it. When the fleet didn't go away, he quit flexing his muscles, even if only temporarily.

Craxi's announcement did contain one positive note. His government, which just a few months ago allowed a known terrorist plotter to leave Italy with no stressful questions asked, has issued a warrant for the arrest of Abu Nidal, the guerrilla leader involved in the bloody raids on airports in Rome and Vienna. The Italian premier also referred to a possible offer, admittedly vague, by Khadafy to help track down and arrest Nidal.

Since the No. 1 terrorist is believed to be hiding in Libya, Khadafy would have a head start on everybody else and an opportunity to prove he is serious about impersonating a responsible leader.